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Dragons, Knights face similar situations

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 29, 2009

Jefferson and Robinson have had similar success on the football field this season. This week, the Dragons (5-1) and Knights (6-1) face similar situations.

Both programs have a chance with a victory to wrap up their respective district titles, something neither team has accomplished in a while. Jefferson is seeking its first district title since 2004, and Robinson hasn't won a district crown since 1977.

The other common factor between the Dragons and Knights is in regard to their opponents this week; both face teams that have struggled this season. The Dragons travel to face winless Dixie Hollins in a Class 3A-District 8 matchup Friday, while the Knights host Steinbrenner, a first-year program winless against varsity competition, in a Class 2A-District 5 matchup tonight.

Don't think for a minute, though, that either team believes it will cement its grip on a trophy without a challenge.

"Nothing is a given," said Robinson coach Mike DePue, who added that the biggest key for his team against the Warriors is to play with discipline, something the Knights lacked after building an early lead during last week's win over Lennard.

Jefferson coach Mike Fenton said he talked with his team this week about not taking opponents for granted, and he emphasized what's at stake for the Dragons. To keep his team motivated, Fenton said the Dragons' coaching staff plans to implement some goals for the team to reach in the game.
Fenton doesn't believe that will be necessary, however.

"We been showing film of (Dixie Hollins) all week long," Fenton said, "and (our players) can tell on film and they see this is a better than an 0-7 team."

Do or die for Tigers

Jason Stokes is looking to continue his streak Friday night.

As a first-year coach at Bloomingdale last year, he led the Bulls to their first playoff appearance in program history. Friday, he hopes to do the same as the first-year coach at Middleton, which has made one postseason appearance (2004) since it reopened in 2002.

The Tigers (5-2, 4-1 Class 2A-District 5) need to defeat Jesuit to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, a win for Jesuit (5-2, 3-1) would make its game against St. Petersburg Catholic next week a must win.

"This right here is do or die," Stokes said. "(Our players) are real excited."

Middleton put itself in playoff contention with a comeback win against St. Pete Catholic last week. Middleton trailed 6-2 at halftime, but scored 26 consecutive points to start the second half and went on to win 35-14.

Bucs honor Callahan

Armwood football coach Sean Callahan has been selected as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Coach of the Week after the Hawks' Week 8 district victory last Friday against Hillsborough.

Callahan will receive $1,000 for the Hawks' football program for his selection.

Ceremony to honor TC's Green

Tampa Catholic senior QB Christian Green, who has led the Crusaders to a 6-0 start, will receive his official invitation to the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in a ceremony Nov. 3 at the school.

Nick Williams, Adam Adkins, Bill Ward

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